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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

Original poster

weaning 3 year old

30 replies

BellaVictoria · 25/05/2007 20:30

We had decided that we were going to breast feed until she was 3....so she is 3 . I breast feed only once a day, in bed when she first wakes up. The doctor said they no longer give the shot to help dry you out shock...that I was on my own. She suggested to beging every other day...then every 2 days & so on. I need suggestions please!

OP posts:
twynkle · 25/05/2007 20:36

tbh BellaVictoria if you are only feeding once a day I doubt you would really notice if you stopped - it certainly wouldn't be like suddenly stopping feeding a 6 week old - you won't suddenly be massively engorged or anything.
I stopped breastfeeding my dd when she was a bit older than 2. We were down to a feed a day and I just stopped really with no problems.

hercules1 · 25/05/2007 20:42

I stopped dd at 3. SHe was feeding more than once a day. We talked about it leading up to the time and then I stopped. SHe cried a bit but I was insistent and after a couple of days she stopped asking.

Original poster
BellaVictoria · 25/05/2007 20:45

and you didn't engorge?

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hercules1 · 25/05/2007 20:46

No. It was slightly uncomfortable at work but nothing really. I stoped with ds (4) in the same way and had no rpoblems at all.

hercules1 · 25/05/2007 20:46

I can honestly say I felt so free after stopping!

twynkle · 25/05/2007 20:49

Really don't think you'll have engorment problems at this age with just one feed a day. Have you ever skipped a day before? Were you engorged then?

Original poster
BellaVictoria · 25/05/2007 20:53

yes.....this winter she was ill and skipped 2 days & I was in pain.....but it was recently after switching to one feeding from two a day

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twynkle · 25/05/2007 20:55

I guess if you are worried about it you could do it more gradually. How does dd feel about stopping though? It might be a bit confusing for her to be offered it one morning and not the next.
If you do feel uncomfortable, you can always just express a little by hand in the morning - this won't maintain your supply - it would be just to ease any discomfort - and your body will soon adapt.

Original poster
BellaVictoria · 25/05/2007 21:02

that's what my pediatrician suggested, whose also breasfeeding a 3 year old as well.....but I'm not sure my daughter will go for that

OP posts:
twynkle · 25/05/2007 21:03

Do you both actually want to stop, or are you just doing it because you had this age set in your mind?
You could always just carry on...

Cappuccino · 25/05/2007 21:04

we have stopped the morning feed at 2 and a bit

dh just got up with her for a week

chippily said 'good morning darling, come downstairs with daddy for some milk'

small amount of whining

but delighted by milk (prob more than the 2 droplets she got from me first thing)

didn't swell up or nowt

Cappuccino · 25/05/2007 21:05

ooh and I did stop completely for a full week but then she got ill and went on again

and breasts weren't bothered

paulaplumpbottom · 25/05/2007 21:06

Well done you for breastfeeding so long!!!!!! Are you ready to give up?

Original poster
BellaVictoria · 25/05/2007 21:07

ha!ha! I think you're right.....we're not ready, just following the idea we had when she was first born...to feed until she was 3. I hate the feelings I get just typing this....but I also feel guilty for letting her continue. I guess that's why I'm asking for ideas....I'd love for her to wean heself.....but can she? I don;t know anything about this....

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paulaplumpbottom · 25/05/2007 21:09

Of course she can, what I want to know if thats what you want. When our children are born we set all sorts of goals. There is no law saying you have to stick to it. If you aren't ready why give up because of some imaginary goal post?

FrannyandZooey · 25/05/2007 21:10

Don't feel guilty for letting her continue! You are giving her love and comfort and nutrition and security all in one.

She really can self-wean.

twynkle · 25/05/2007 21:11

My dh always used to say that when dd got to one year, breastfeeding would be gross! But then she got there and it was no different to the day before.
I think it would be great for you to let her self wean - it sounds like this is what you really want to do, but are just coming to terms with it and feeling you need to justify it to yourself. No need! It's a great thing to do!

mozhe · 25/05/2007 21:15

Ditto all that...believe she can self wean, all my sons breastfed for between 2 and 3.5 years...they just decided ' no' one day.Don't be guilty and you have your paediatrician to keep you company

Original poster
BellaVictoria · 25/05/2007 21:17

well.....I must say....that all the doubts I have had as a mom, I have come to this website...and have received the comfort and support I need!! Thank you!!!!
I am coming to terms with this, and the more I read and write...the more I like the idea of self weaning.....
I just didn't know she could do it alone...and didn't want to add to her changes.......you know?
I have been to American websites...and I have stuck it out with this one......nothing like it

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harpsichordcarrier · 25/05/2007 21:18

why feel guilty for letting her carry on? my dd1 self weaned, somewhere between three and four - hard to be precise, because it was so gradual and easy. she stopped feeding regularly after three and a half.
by the way I had exactly the same wobble when she turned three. it seemed a big jump from feeding a two year old to the three year old.

twynkle · 25/05/2007 21:19

Yay! Good luck BellaVictoria, your dd is a very lucky girl

paulaplumpbottom · 25/05/2007 21:20

I stoped breastfeeding at 18 months and regretted it. I did it because my MIL and various others were being so critical but in hindsight me and my dd weren't ready. You keep going till it feels right

Original poster
BellaVictoria · 25/05/2007 21:25

Paula: I can't imagine having that regret!! Thanks for sharing.

I feel I am the lucky one!!!
We have moved 3 times in the last year...she did the whole potty training on her own (because I would not rush her into it) , she went into a big girls bed.....so I wanted to minimize all her changes!!!

OP posts:
paulaplumpbottom · 25/05/2007 21:26

What does your partner say?

Original poster
BellaVictoria · 25/05/2007 21:29

he's very supportive!!! he doesn't care about what the family says.
When I decided to bf until 3, he was all for it.....now that I have this dilema, he said to let her wean on her own.
I hit the jackpot with him too!!

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